Breakadawn
De La Soul · 1993
18 min · 7 tracks · hip-hop
A lush blend of jazzy samples and introspective lyrics layered over laid-back beats creates a reflective hip-hop atmosphere.
Top tracks — play these first
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Breakadawn (vocal version) Start here — This track features smooth instrumentation and contemplative lyrics that exemplify De La Soul's signature style, making it a standout piece reflecting their artistic growth.
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En Focus (vocal version) — With its catchy hook and clever wordplay, this track showcases the duo's lyrical dexterity and playful approach to storytelling, enhancing the album's overall vibe.
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The Dawn Brings Smoke — This short interlude encapsulates the album’s thematic essence, blending atmospheric sounds with a laid-back delivery that invites reflection on life’s complexities.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Breakadawn combines jazzy samples with introspective lyrics, marking a mature evolution in De La Soul's sound.
What we noticed
- The inclusion of both vocal and instrumental versions allows listeners to appreciate the production intricacies without lyrics.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- playful lyrical storytelling moments
- short bursts of creativity
- smooth transitions between tracks
- engaging for casual listening
Maybe skip if you
- prefer lengthy immersive experiences
- seek high-energy party tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Deep Cut — A notable single that showcases their evolving sound but isn't a primary album.
- Themes
- introspective jazz vibes· laid-back reflection· alternative hip-hop evolution
- Career context
- Released in early 1993, Breakadawn marked De La Soul's transition from their breakthrough album 3 Feet High and Rising into a more mature sound. This single further solidified their influence in alternative hip-hop as they began to explore deeper themes in their music.
- Stylistic neighbors
- A Tribe Called Quest· The Roots· J Dilla
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Breakadawn (vocal version)
The verse shifts to a self-reflective tone, pondering personal growth amidst life's changes.
Tracklist
- 1 Breakadawn (vocal version) Start here 4:15
- 2 Stickabush 1:11
- 3 En Focus (vocal version) 3:17
- 4 The Dawn Brings Smoke 2:10
- 5 Hsubakcits 0:15
- 6 En Focus (instrumental) 3:15
- 7 Breakadawn (instrumental) 4:14
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
The Low End Theory
A Tribe Called Quest
Shares a similar blend of jazzy samples and reflective lyricism over laid-back beats.
Donuts
J Dilla
Features intricate sample work and introspective themes, creating a lush listening experience.
Things Fall Apart
The Roots
Combines live instrumentation with thoughtful lyrics and a laid-back vibe reminiscent of jazz rap.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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